Introducing the KIND Project at Rosehill
In April 2023, we proudly launched the KIND Project—an initiative already making a profound difference within Rosehill and the broader community. Thanks to the generous support of ACE, Sellafield Ltd, and the Garfield Weston Foundation, we’ve brought creative programs to life, fostered new local partnerships, and expanded our reach far beyond the theatre.
Last year, we welcomed two Cumberland-based producers who have played an essential role in establishing our community-focused programming across the region. Their presence has helped increase Rosehill's local profile and bring our initiatives to new spaces.
Our first year of projects has been filled with vibrant and meaningful experiences, drawing on the voices and talents of our community:
Spreading Kindness with a Paintbrush
Our collaborative painting and drawing project, led by artist Rob Mitchell, brought art into Cumberland General Hospital and a local shelter for young unemployed men. This initiative provided participants with a creative outlet and a sense of connection during a transitional time.
KIND Design
Designer Rachel Gaw guided local care leavers in a hands-on product design workshop at the Forum. This KIND project encouraged skill-building and self-expression, helping participants explore design as a means of storytelling and identity.
Harbour Memories
Working with various groups across Whitehaven, including members from Always Another Way and a visually impaired community group, Stefan Escreet led an audio recording project that gave a platform to personal stories and local voices and captured the unique character of our community.
Coffee Cuplets
Poet in residence Emma McGordon worked with different community groups, including Florence Mine, Time to Change, and Colour Coded, to create one hundred different couplet poems. These were gifted to members of the public in coffee shops purchased from The Coffee Man at Harbour Fest. Emma continues to work with us via her project Snippets, a piece of “found poetry” from the overheard conversations of people in Whitehaven.
Gift it Forward
This project saw people come together to craft with purpose and create beautiful objects to gift to friends, donate to the community, and keep. Janice is continuing to Gift it Forward for KIND at the Greenbank Community Centre and will be hosting an open day at Rosehill in December. You can find out more here.
My Kind of Community
This was an evening celebration for community workers, artists, and residents to get together, enjoy some food, and watch some local talent. The audience was treated to performances from the Song Smiths, the West House dance troupe, and Emma McGordon’s community cast. There was also live portraiture by Anne Blanksom-Hemans and music by the Native Cult.
It has been an exciting first year, and we look forward to further growing the KIND project.
Stay Connected
Follow the KIND Project as it grows and evolves and sparks creativity, collaboration, and change throughout our community.
